Steven Sable’s Rez Dog Biographies

Arizona photographer Steven Sable‘s travels throughout the southwestern United States led him to some interesting acquaintances and a new personal mission. On the Navajo, Hopi, and Ute reservations he visited, Sable came across a multitude of “Rez Dogs” — stray dogs that live on the reservations without owners, veterinary care, or guaranteed food and shelter. Through his photographs of these dogs (which he calls the Rez Dog Biographies), Sable wants to draw awareness to the plight of the Rez Dogs and raise money for the care of the homeless pups that have touched, and sometimes broken, his heart.

From Sable’s site:

My career as a photographer developed from a serious disillusionment with Corporate America. I was thrilled to have the freedom to travel but appalled at the number and condition of Rez Dogs that seemed to be everywhere. Near the end of 2006, I finally adopted a particularly desperate mutt south of Page, AZ. My fascination with her durability and innate intelligence led to an interest in the Rez Dog phenomena. Soon my trips up North were focused on documenting the dogs. The series of images that became the “Rez Dog Biographies” are simply a tool that I use to raise money to support spay/neuter, adoption, and educational programs directed at ending the suffering. In short, I’ve hired myself as their fundraiser, and so far they’ve been the best bosses I’ve ever had.

You can visit Sable’s site to view the rest of the portfolio and order prints to help support the Rez Dogs.

katherine on 08.19.2011 at 13:53 PM

Well, dang. It lets me put the first photo in the slideshow in my cart, but none of the other ones. Hmmm. Wonder what’s up with that? Maybe contacting him directly is the best way to go. Let us know if you find out anything!

Kris on 09.02.2011 at 00:18 AM

I understand this as an issue, but how many blog spots do you hear about the current state of North American reserves? Or Aboriginal people and the problems and heartaches experienced by these people on a daily basis. I feel back when anyone harms and tries to inflict pain or undo suffering upon animals, but lets have someone take some photography of the people. Let’s try and find solutions to help whats going on there.

I scrolled quickly so I didn’t have to see the pictures. The biggest crime is that this country isn’t caring for the native Americans in a manner to return their independence and dignity. If that was in place then there would be no Rez Dogs. There would be a race of people who were secure and content that would care for the strays. I hope you have success in your efforts to save these loving and lonely animals.